The Unitarian Universalist tribe has adopted the outstandingly simple and ancient symbol of a flame burning in a chalice. The big Sunday services include an awesome birthday cake-sized vessel, already lit, carried up the center aisle by a certified, card-carrying worship associate, but each task-centered meeting might begin with the lighting of a small chalice too. (The marvelous Hally A. carries a tiny candle holder and matches in her purse for her meeting needs.)

Thus I see the need for small, personal-sized chalices, for sacred moments, whether you are convening a meeting or not, so I have begun a series of small almond-shaped bowls like these here, in various colors. Some have no handles, but the one above has a rough unglazed pedestal foot and loop handles, also unglazed. (That’s my favorite of the tests, so I’ll make more like that.)

I use them by filling the bowl with rice or dried beans, and setting a standard candle atop that — safe, simple, edible.

These photos are not so good; it’s hard to convey a glowing flame in the little pot, and I’m no photographer anyway.

One jar with two lids. Why? You want the finished piece to have the best elements in combination. If I made one lid, or one handle for a jar or mug, what are the chances that that one would fit or be proportional? Make an extra (or two, or three). In this case I just finished both lids, bear and bird.